In immediate danger?Call your local emergency number. Brave Harbor is not a crisis service.Safety & crisis resources

Safety & scope

Peer support has value—
and clear limits.

Brave Harbor is designed for education, connection, skill practice, and community support. It is not a substitute for medical, clinical, or emergency services.

Brave Harbor can provide

  • Peer connection and shared experience
  • Structured, topic-based meetings
  • Educational tools and worksheets
  • Goal clarification and practical planning
  • Support for boundaries and communication
  • Encouragement to seek appropriate professional care

Brave Harbor does not provide

  • Diagnosis, psychotherapy, or clinical assessment
  • Detoxification or withdrawal management
  • Medication advice or management
  • Emergency response or suicide intervention
  • Legal, medical, or financial advice
  • A guarantee of safety, abstinence, or outcomes

Use urgent or professional support

Some situations require more than a peer space.

Call your local emergency number when there is immediate danger, serious injury, overdose, violence, or inability to remain safe.

Suddenly stopping alcohol after prolonged heavy drinking can cause potentially life-threatening withdrawal. Seek medical guidance.

Severe confusion, hallucinations, seizures, psychosis, or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical evaluation.

Use the country crisis-support cards at the top of this website for local resources.

Contemplative-practice safety

Calm cannot be forced.

Meditation and mindfulness are generally considered low-risk for many people, but they do not always feel calming and some people report negative experiences.

  • Practice is always optional.
  • Open eyes and orientation to the environment are first-line alternatives.
  • Do not insist on breath focus, stillness, or internal exploration when distress increases.
  • A Navigator can stop the practice and return to conversation, movement, external support, or professional resources.
  • Meditation does not replace trauma treatment, mental-health care, medical care, or crisis response.
See practices and alternatives

When a safety concern arises

The conversation may need to change.

Pause ordinary discussion

Safety takes priority over the scheduled topic or normal meeting flow.

Encourage direct support

A Navigator may direct the participant to crisis, emergency, medical, or clinical resources.

Set community boundaries

Participation may be limited when behavior creates danger, harassment, or disruption.

Document only what is needed

Brave Harbor will aim to protect privacy while responding to safety and operational needs.